Michael Stern Lecture 2026 – Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu

PEACE IS ABOUT THE SAFETY OF PEOPLE – REV. TUTU

Reverend Nontombi Naomi Tutu, who will deliver the annual Michael Stern Lecture at Waterford Kamhlaba United World College of Southern Africa tomorrow, says true peace means children are born into loving and safe communities.

“Peace means no child goes to bed hungry or afraid,” she said. “It means women can walk the streets of their communities free from violence. It means all God’s children are housed, fed and able to use their gifts and talents to help build a better world.”

Rev. Tutu is expected to arrive in Eswatini from Beverly Hills in the United States, where she serves as Associate Rector at All Saints Beverly Hills.

She reflected that the lecture theme titled ‘Peace Through Gentle Restoration’ speaks directly to a world marked by uncertainty and division. She noted that voices of hatred and polarisation appeared increasingly amplified, making it essential for people to stand for justice while also recognising the human need for reflection, compassion and healing.

“Just as joy in the face of oppression is a form of resistance, so too are gentleness and care,” she said.

Rev. Tutu, daughter of late Nobel Peace Prize laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, expressed both honour and humility at being the first alumni of the school to deliver this prestigious lecture.

“The school has so many distinguished alumni who could have been chosen,” she said. “I hope I will prove worthy of the honour.”

She described herself as a lifelong advocate for justice and peace, speaking out against injustice and participating in peaceful activism.

“I have been a foot soldier, marching for peace and believing that we already have what we need to build a just and peaceful world if we recognise one another as human beings made in the image of God,” she said.

Rev. Tutu added that the lecture would emphasise how humanity’s diverse talents and perspectives are essential to building a peaceful future.

“We know the stories of those who came before us and faced what seemed like impossible odds yet continued because they believed in a just world. Those stories remind us that we are the ones we have been waiting for.”

She also reflected warmly on her time as a student at Waterford Kamhlaba, describing it as a safe and nurturing environment that taught her the value of diversity and fostered lifelong friendships.

The lecture honours Michael Stern, who founded the school in 1963 as a multi-racial institution in defiance of apartheid policies in South Africa. He relocated to Swaziland to establish a school open to all races, emphasising peace, cooperation and community service. Stern died on 14 July 2002 at the age of 80.

The event will take place at the Michael Stern Assembly Hall at 6pm and will be attended by students, parents, alumni and invited guests.